Eating For Life Program

Limit Calories

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Limiting your calorie intake from added sugars and saturated fats is important to reaching and maintaining a healthy weight.

Natural sugars are found in fruit, as fructose, and in milk products, as lactose. These foods also contain valuable nutrients.

Sodas and other sweetened beverages, desserts and candy are processed with added sugars, and add extra calories and few nutrients to your eating plan.

Fiber is also important. Edible skins and seeds from fruits and vegetables, and whole grains are good sources of fiber and may reduce your risk of cardiovascular disease, obesity and type 2 diabetes.

Be sure to choose and prepare foods and beverages with few added sugars or sweeteners. You can limit added sugars by choosing smaller portions of sweetened beverages and by drinking them less often.

Diets high in saturated and trans fats are associated with heart disease. Foods high in saturated fats include butter, whole milk, and meats that are not labeled as lean. Trans fats are in processed foods, like desserts, frozen pizza, and coffee creamer.